|
Natural Tips to Keep Gardeners Healthy
Special to The Truth
More than 41,200 people
across the nation were injured in 2012 while working in
their gardens, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission. Conversely, many common flowers and plants have
healing properties that can help gardeners treat their
injuries.
Made from plants, as well
as animals and minerals, homeopathic medicines offer some of
the safest options for self-treatable conditions -- and can
be great for ailments and injuries that befall home
gardeners. Because the risk of interaction with other drugs,
supplements and herbs is minimal, experts say these natural
medicines are a good first choice for early symptoms.
Easily found in health
food stores and pharmacies, these non-prescription medicines
work naturally with the body instead of masking a problem,
which is important if a more serious condition should arise.
With that in mind, here
are some homeopathic treatments for common gardener
ailments:
• Allergies: Relieving
allergy symptoms provides a good example of the principle
behind homeopathic medicines. Chopping a red onion has a
“toxic” effect, causing eyes to water and burn until exposed
to fresh air. When similar symptoms appear from allergies or
a cold, a micro-dose of the red onion helps relieve those
same symptoms. The red onion in this homeopathic form takes
the Latin name of its source, Allium cepa.
Try Ambrosia (Ragweed) for
watery nasal discharge with eyes that tear and itch and
Sabadilla (Cevadilla) for hypersensitivity to the smell of
flowers or itching in the back of the mouth. A good general
allergy medicine is Histaminum, which is derived from
histamine.
• Sore, Stiff Muscles: For
gardeners suffering back and knee injuries, Arnica montana
can be an essential gardening tool.
Commonly known as the
Mountain daisy, Arnica’s healing properties were first
recognized in the 16th century. Legend has it mountain
climbers chewed the plant to relieve sore, aching muscles
and bruises from falls. Today, this homeopathic medicine is
used by professional athletes and surgeons for muscle pain
and stiffness, swelling from injuries and bruising. For more
information visit www.Arnicare.com.
• Sunburn, Blisters and
Other Skin Conditions: In its homeopathic form, Calendula
(Garden marigold) is one of the most versatile aids for skin
irritations. Try a Calendula cream or ointment for blisters
and calluses, cuts and scrapes, rashes, and chapped skin
caused by wind, dry or cold air, or sun.
Used for centuries as a
natural healing and soothing substance, Calendula’s
wound-healing properties are due to essential oils, saponins,
flavonoids and alkaloids. These compounds have skin healing
properties.
• Bug Bites: To help
relieve bee and wasp stings, as well as gnat, black fly or
mosquito bites, take five pellets of Apis mellifica (Honey
bee) every 30 minutes for up to six doses. And apply
Calendula topically.
• Take Breaks and Relax:
While many plants help us nurture our health, remember to
practice common sense. Prepare properly by stretching and
wearing sun block. Don’t overdo it. Take breaks. End your
day with a soaking bath.
Relieve conditions at the
first sign of symptoms before they grow out of control, so
you can continue your gardening activities.
Courtesy StatePoint
|
